Former mineworkers and widows from across Nottinghamshire and Bassetlaw descended on Westminster to lobby MPs in a bid to find a solution to the historic pension injustice.

The campaigners were amongst scores from every regional Coalfield in the UK who attended the rally on College Green on Wednesday (June 17).

The lobby of MPs was hailed a “tremendous success” with leading campaigners also securing a meeting with Chris McDonald Minister of State for Industry.

Campaigners are pushing to amend the 50/50 surplus-sharing agreement, ensuring members receive the full benefit of surpluses.

Scores turned out in a bid to urge the government to share out a pension scheme surplus.

placeholder image — Scores turned out in a bid to urge the government to share out a pension scheme surplus.

Mick Newton, who worked at Thoresby Colliery for 15 years attended the rally and gave thanks to the Government for recognising the injustice and for the progress the Government has already made towards a conclusion.

He added: “Sadly the clock is ticking and time is running out for thousands of miner's and widows across the former UK Coalfields.

“Since the Government announced an end to this Pension Scandal in 2024, two years have passed without a complete conclusion.

“We have to end the Surplus Sharing arrangements with the Government, that have allowed the Government to take 50 % (Approximately £5 Billion) over the past 30 years.”

Former miner Mick Newton was amongst those campaigning for justice

Mr Newton who has been campaigning for a fairer deal for the past decade said he is optimistic about a positive outcome this year.

He added: “There is a lot of frustration and anxiety in our communities as to why we haven't had a full resolution to this injustice, now that two years have passed since the Government announced an end to this injustice.”

In 1994, when British Coal was privatised, it was agreed the Government would get half of any surplus from the pot in return for guaranteeing the value of the pensions would not decrease.

Successive Governments have made £4.8bn from the deal over the last 30 years.

When both the MPS and BCSS schemes were set up, the government was keen that some money should be held in reserve to ensure there was enough cash to pay out to members.

However, far more reserve money was built up in both funds than ever needed and following years of campaigning government changes so far have led to more than £1 billion being transferred back to the MPS and more than £2 billion transferred back to the BCSSS.

The move comes after Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in October last year that the entirety of the Mineworkers' Pension Scheme (MPS) investment reserve would be handed over to ex-coal miners and their families.